How to Apply and Get Approved for an Online Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the DENR

Brief History and Context

On the 11th of June 1978, the Presidential Decree on “Establishing an Environmental Impact Statement System including other Environmental Management-Related Measures“ was released. It stated that “no person, partnership, or corporation shall undertake or operate any declared environmentally critical project or area without securing first an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).”

More than two (2) decades later, the Malaca?ang Palace released Administrative Order #42, which mandates the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to accept, process and approve qualified ECC applications. Hence, all ECC applications are addressed to the EMB.

An approved ECC application means that your proposed undertaking poses no significant negative impact on the environment. Upon approval, you shall commit to fulfill the specific measures and conditions indicated in the ECC before and during the operation of the project, and even after the project completion.

An ECC also certifies that the proponent has complied with all the requirements of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System and has committed to implement its approved environmental management plan.

In cases where DENR-EMB finds that an ECC is not applicable, a Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC) shall be issued confirming that the proposed project is not part of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and poses no environmental threat.

10-Step Process

1. Go to the Online Application Portal: https://ecconline.emb.gov.ph/live
2. Following the steps outlined in the ECC Online user guide, fill out the registration form.
3. Verify your project. Take note of the industry your project falls under.
4. Once qualified, fill out the online Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Checklist form.
5. After filling out the IEE Checklist form, download and print the Order of Payment. Go to any LandBank Branch nationwide and pay the processing fee of Php 5,055.00
6. Have your accomplished IEE checklist with accountability statement of proponent notarized.
7. Submit and upload the necessary documents (See FAQs below)
8. The EMB Regional Office will evaluate the applications filed online. The evaluation could result to either an approval or a need to submit additional information. Check your ECC Online Account frequently.
9. After all the pertinent documents are passed, EMB RO may deny or approve the ECC Application
10. You may have your results printed from the EMB Online System or through your ECC Online account

Frequently Asked Questions

as answered by the Environmental Compliance Assistance Center (ECAC)

1. Who should apply for an ECC? Any LGU with proposed projects which has been declared as Environmentally Critical Projects (ECPs) or projects located in Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs) which are presumed to have significant impacts on the environment.
2. What are the requirements?(1) Scanned copy of the deposit transaction slip and duly notarized IEE Checklist(2) Geo-tagged photographs of proposed project site(3) Maps of impact/affected areas (showing at least 1km from the project boundaries)(4) Certification from LGU proving the compatibility of proposed project with existing land use plan(5) Site development plan/vicinity map signed by registered professionals(6) Project/Plant layout signed by registered professionals(7) Schematic diagram of wastewater treatment facility (if applicable)(8) Schematic diagram of air pollution control facility (if applicable)(9) Organizational Chart in charge of environmental concerns(10) Proof of authority over the project site (e.g. land title, lease contract, deed of absolute sale, etc.)(11) Duly accomplished project environmental monitoring and audit prioritization scheme (PEMAPS)
3. How much is the application fee?Total application fee is only Php 5,055.00
4. Where do I pay?You may pay at any LandBank branch using the OnCall Payment Slip or at the EMB office where you are transacting
5. I can’t access the ECC Online Application Site. What could be the problem?If you’re using?Mozilla Firefox, click?Add Exception and then Confirm Security Exception. For?Google Chrome, click?Advanced Options and then Click Proceed.
6. I can’t find the kind of project my business falls under. What keyword should I use?You may refer to the?Revised Guidelines for Coverage Screening and Standardized Requirements under PEISS?(page 18 of PDF) as your guide.
7. I can’t input the capacity for my proposed project size, what am I doing wrong?The system only accepts numeric and period only. Comma and spaces are not allowed.
8. How do I follow-up my ECC application?You may correspond with EMB RO through the Online System. Frequently check your account for updates or additional information needed to fully process your application. Additionally, you may call the EMB RO where your project is located.
9. Where can I validate my ECC?All issued ECC can be validated online through the EMB Website.
10. Where can I get a Certified True Copy of my ECC?Certified True Copies can be obtained from the concerned EMB Regional Office.
11. How long does it take for my ECC to be processed?Given that you’ve submitted all the necessary requirements, it will take 20 working days for your application to be approved.
12. Are walk-ins allowed?No. You have to apply online or set an appointment with them first. If you hire professionals to assist you, they can be the ones to set the appointment for you.

If you want to save your team from the hassle of going through all of these, or if you need professionals to audit and ensure the compliance of your project, your friends at GreenDev would love to help. Good luck!

*Full article may be found here: https://greendevsolutions.com/how-to-apply-for-an-ecc/